Teenager’s perfect debut

AS FAR debuts go, it’s pretty hard to top the one Declan Murphy produced in Ballarat laqst night.

To the Dunnstown teenager’s delight, he scored at his first drive after Atego Shades flashed home to capture in the Regent Entertainment Pace.

To cap off a memorable achievement, the gelding is trained by Declan’s father David and owned in mother Erin’s name.

“Considering it’s my family and all that, it’s special,” Murphy said. “Working each day and working with Atego Shades most mornings as well, it brings a big thrill to the stable and to Mum and Dad as well.

“To see them so happy brings a big light to it all.”

The Murphys are basically part of the furniture at Bray Raceway, and the fact Murphy’s triumph occurred on his home track is not lost on the 17-year-old.

“I’ve been there since I was real little,” Murphy said. “And just to have my first drive there, let alone win it… I was just over the moon.

“I was thinking that on the way home. It’s my home track and I’ve come out and won on a horse that my Mum and Dad own as well.”

In a terrific evening for the family, Murphy’s brother, Brent, won the previous race with Martin Zerafa-trained Son Of Major.

• HRV Media